Category Archives: pimms

If money were no object, the 4th of July holiday weekend footwear may look a little something like this:

For the picnic, or the baseball game (the Nationals have a double-header on Saturday, you know), let’s don these adorable Kate Spade sandals. That bow, the grosgrain fabric, the basketweave heel — nothing could say casual American holiday better.

For the night out, how about this classic Burberry espadrille paired with a flowy black sundress? Love the combination of red patent leather, espadrille midsol, and the check pattern.

For the wide-leg white linen pants (or the white linen anything), how about these striking Diane Von Furstenberg wedges? Yes, the height, the bold color, the multi-pattern wedge heel would contrast beautifully with white.

And what to drink this Independence Day? Well, we’ll have to get back to you on that, but these Black and Blue Mojitos and this Campari Cup are strong contenders (particularly given the amount of fresh mint we have growing over at chez S&C).

Mr. and Ms. S&C recently took a short trip to Philadelphia. We visited the city of brotherly love to catch the Neil Young and Wilco concert at the old Spectrum arena. Before the show (which was awesome), the mister and missus stopped off at two places that couldn’t be more different. Our first stop was Midtown II, the quintessential dive bar. It is a 24-hour, greasy-spoon type of place, that’s dirt cheap, and where you’re not too far removed from the grittier side of Philly. And, it has a jukebox. I love bars with jukeboxes. It is also the type of place that doesn’t serve a garnish in your gin and tonic. Mr. S&C is usually the one to seek out these bars, and I’m so glad he does. While I don’t get the off-the-charts inventive cocktail, I get a strong cocktail. And, I get a lot of atmosphere.

After a few drinks at Midtown II, we headed to its antithesis, Continental. Continental is an upscale diner plus martini bar. It has an extensive cocktail menu, and it is place where the beautiful people go. While the people are not nearly as interesting, we had a great bartender and really good drinks. I started off with a Side Car, a classic I’m loving right now. Then, I had a Pimm’s Cup with champagne. Mr. S&C had a refreshing Tom Collins and a martini with a blue cheese stuffed olive.

Side Car (circa 1922)

Hennessy

Cointreau

Lemon juice

Served with a sugar rimmed glass

Pimm’s Cup (circa 1823)

Pimm’s no. 1

Champagne

Ginger Ale

Lemon

Slice of cucumber

Tom Collins (circa 1902)

Gin

Lemon juice

Simple syrup

Topped with club soda

The Continental

Zyr vodka

Blue cheese stuffed olive

The remainder of the trip had nothing to do with shoes and cocktails, but it was a great time, so I’ll share it nonetheless. The next morning, we headed to Reading Terminal Market for breakfast and a little gift shopping. It is must-see attraction when you’re in Philly. It is an extraordinary farmer’s market with fresh produce, baked goods, meats, crafts, etc. Lots of Amish specialties and ethnic vendors too. Next, we went to the Rodin Museum, which holds his largest collection outside of the Paris museum. I never get tired of looking at the Gates of Hell and The Burghers of Calais, and was able to see a new sculpture, The Martyr – all so haunting and tragic. Rodin was a genius.

We saved our grocery shopping until we got to the Italian Market in South Philly, where I picked up ingredients for lasagna: fresh pasta, fresh mozzerella, Sicilian sausage — everything needed for the best lasagna I’ve ever made. Then, we capped off our trip with an authentic Philly Cheesesteak at Pat’s.

A lot was accomplished in the 24 hours we were there. And, I would go back to every single stop next time.

My friend, LC, is an inspiration in so many ways, but her latest contribution to making my life my enjoyable was introducing me to the drink Pimm’s Cup. This British-bred concoction is fresh and tasty, and definitely an old-school classic. Made with an obscure liqueur, with a flavor similar to a spiced gin, this drink is perfect for an occasion when you’d like something to take the edge off, but you don’t want to get hammered. That’s why it rules the leisurely brunch scene and is a staple at Wimbledon. It looks like iced tea, so it’s a natural thirst-quencher and a perfect match for outdoor activities.

The Occasion:

While I’m likely not heading to Wimbledon next year, and horse-racing season is over, there’s still a time and place for Pimm’s Cup. Hosting a brunch? Playing lawn games? Or, how about – the sun’s out, I don’t have any plans, let’s call some friends, sit out on the patio and play cards?

The Shoes: Wedges

These shoes speak outdoors. I’m a big fan of heels, but you don’t want heels sinking into the lawn. And, heels can sometimes come off a little severe with a summer dress or the ultimate summer fabric, linen. Wedges provide comfort and stability whether you’re headed to Gold Cup, playing croquet, or if you’re like me and just want a light cocktail in the afternoon.

About Shoes & Cocktails

The blog dedicated to shoes, cocktails, and things related was created by Ms. ShoesandCocktails, a Washington, DC area resident, who lives with her husband and dog, and is surrounded by friends with good taste and a weakness for cocktails. Ms. S&C would love to hear from you, so feel free to contact her at: shoesandcocktails(at)yahoo(dot)com.

Miss Mojito also joins Ms. S&C as a contributor. Miss M is from Richmond, VA, and lives and breathes for the delightful Cuban cocktail from which she borrows her name.